Awesome. Thanks for the advice. I'll look into the Encore. As for shipping, I'm actually in US, so it would be standard. (TN to be exact) Lebanon is the city I live in, just forgot to update the profile after I set it up last night....But...Yeah, I know switching the grinds will be a pain, so I'll end up picking up something later. I may be "stuck" drinking only espresso for a while, as I had to show my wife convincing videos on why I needed to buy an "expensive" grinder, so she might make me sleep on the couch if I were to buy another one right away!

lol, thought you were in the country Lebanon. You can check out threads on here and Baratzas site for how to dial in and calibrate the Vario if you need to do so.

That Breville uses a pressurized portafilter. If you search I think some have used krups or similar basket to have a depressurized PF. Otherwise you'll want to go a little coarser with the Vario as a normal espresso grind could clogg up a pressurized basket and choke out. I had a Delonghi Bar32 I started with, same issue. Pressurized baskets are good for having not capable grinders (like the once you owned), and non fresh roasted beans etc. Helps negate the deficiencies (even with stale beans), but in turn makes coffee that's nothing like real espresso, that's why their called fake crema enhancers. Do you use fresh roasted beans? If you can find a basket to make that PF depressurized, you'll see an insane difference with good beans and the Vario.

And if you upgrade to a better machine down the road, you'll be more then set with the Vario.

lol, thought you were in the country Lebanon. You can check out threads on here and Baratzas site for how to dial in and calibrate the Vario if you need to do so.

That Breville uses a pressurized portafilter. If you search I think some have used krups or similar basket to have a depressurized PF. Otherwise you'll want to go a little coarser with the Vario as a normal espresso grind could clogg up a pressurized basket and choke out. I had a Delonghi Bar32 I started with, same issue. Pressurized baskets are good for having not capable grinders (like the once you owned), and non fresh roasted beans etc. Helps negate the deficiencies (even with stale beans), but in turn makes coffee that's nothing like real espresso, that's why their called fake crema enhancers. Do you use fresh roasted beans? If you can find a basket to make that PF depressurized, you'll see an insane difference with good beans and the Vario.

And if you upgrade to a better machine down the road, you'll be more then set with the Vario.

I'll look around to see if I can find a depressurized filter. I had no idea how the pressurized baskets worked, so thanks for the explanation. As for the beans that I currently have, they were roasted about 1 week ago. My favorite local shop calls his local roaster, has the amount he needs for his shop roasted, and then drives over to pick up the beans....In turn, I usually go in and buy straight from his order of beans, he tosses them in a zip lock bag, so it cuts down even more on the price to me, and they go straight into my vacuum sealed container. So.....After I get this new grinder, I should be able to make some pretty decent coffee after I put a bit more research into it, and after I upgrade the machine of course.

lol, thought you were in the country Lebanon. You can check out threads on here and Baratzas site for how to dial in and calibrate the Vario if you need to do so.

That Breville uses a pressurized portafilter. If you search I think some have used krups or similar basket to have a depressurized PF. Otherwise you'll want to go a little coarser with the Vario as a normal espresso grind could clogg up a pressurized basket and choke out. I had a Delonghi Bar32 I started with, same issue. Pressurized baskets are good for having not capable grinders (like the once you owned), and non fresh roasted beans etc. Helps negate the deficiencies (even with stale beans), but in turn makes coffee that's nothing like real espresso, that's why their called fake crema enhancers. Do you use fresh roasted beans? If you can find a basket to make that PF depressurized, you'll see an insane difference with good beans and the Vario.

And if you upgrade to a better machine down the road, you'll be more then set with the Vario.

yup, I know it sucks to spend more money, but do it... massive massive difference, the Vario + depressurized PF + fresh roasted beans = going from eating McDonalds burger to dining on gourmet wagu burgers now lol. It is pricey for a basket, that cost as much as VST baskets (don't think they make any in your size), can see if there are any resellers that sell them cheaper or maybe ebay etc. I google'd and some used Krups baskets, not sure what they cost. What coffee beans are you using now?

yup, I know it sucks to spend more money, but do it... massive massive difference, the Vario + depressurized PF + fresh roasted beans = going from eating McDonalds burger to dining on gourmet wagu burgers now lol. It is pricey for a basket, that cost as much as VST baskets (don't think they make any in your size), can see if there are any resellers that sell them cheaper or maybe ebay etc. I google'd and some used Krups baskets, not sure what they cost. What coffee beans are you using now?

If their getting fresh roasted beans in constantly should be ok, maybe find out when they get shipments in so you can get them fairly fresh. But if you can get fresh roasted to order, again big difference. plenty of roasters online, but I just checked yelp and heres some local to you:

yup, I know it sucks to spend more money, but do it... massive massive difference, the Vario + depressurized PF + fresh roasted beans = going from eating McDonalds burger to dining on gourmet wagu burgers now lol. It is pricey for a basket, that cost as much as VST baskets (don't think they make any in your size), can see if there are any resellers that sell them cheaper or maybe ebay etc. I google'd and some used Krups baskets, not sure what they cost. What coffee beans are you using now?

Looks like it should do the trick. Thanks for the advice....Now I have to go find a tamper instead of using the horrible plastic one. After this...I have to go on a buying hiatus. :) Hopefully I'll notice a big improvement in the coffee. Now the temperature consistency of the machine will probably be my biggest obstacle.

Where do you go for coffee in Lebanon? I have a good friend there who I visit almost annually, and he has never had any idea where to take me. Thanks to "IMAWriter", I learned about Barista Parlor, in Nashville befor my last visit...but, iirc, they use Stumptown beans, and that doesn't fit your sourcing description. Also, I think BP carries Baratza grinders, if you need a local source...and their spro is fantastic! They have a Slayer and know how to use it.

.Always remember the most important thing is what ends up in your cup!

Where do you go for coffee in Lebanon? I have a good friend there who I visit almost annually, and he has never had any idea where to take me. Thanks to "IMAWriter", I learned about Barista Parlor, in Nashville befor my last visit...but, iirc, they use Stumptown beans, and that doesn't fit your sourcing description. Also, I think BP carries Baratza grinders, if you need a local source...and their spro is fantastic! They have a Slayer and know how to use it.

That link took me to some places in Lebanon, Ohio, but I'm pretty sure he's in Lebanon, Tennessee. Anyhow, I'm more interested in getting a decent cup of spro near my friend's house than sourcing beans, since I typically only visit for a few days. Though, maybe my friend would be interested if the roaster is very close to him.

.Always remember the most important thing is what ends up in your cup!

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